A New Experience - Blog Assignment #1

Any new experience is a learning experience, and I expect to learn many things on this journey to South Korea and Japan. By immersing myself in the culture, I think that I will be able to gain more usable knowledge than if I just sat at home and read about it. What better way to learn a language than to watch locals use it? By observation I can determine what phrases are most common and where it is appropriate to use each of them. Active learning is the key that unlocks access to my memory. It is one of my goals to use this trip to my advantage for those reasons. Making foreign friends and trying new foods and activities are also points at the top of my list of goals, both of which are pretty much a must for anyone traveling anywhere who wants to get the most out of their adventures. In general, a goal of mine is to become more independent from this experience. It will be the longest I've ever been from home and the farthest I've ever been across the globe. Except for when I'm touring with Ulsan staff, I will be more or less doing all navigating myself or with friends. I will need to learn to communicate and navigate in a country where I don't speak the language, which I believe is a really important for my self-growth. 

While I do have experience traveling abroad with my family, this is the first time I have traveled by myself outside of the United States. My family has helped me feel more secure abroad in terms of how to access money and cell phone service. I'm lucky that I was not completely blind to these things before leaving for Korea. Because of their help, I'm confident that my trip will go smoothly. 

I'm extremely excited for this adventure, and I look forward to all of the memories I will make along the way. Glad I have all this leg room for the 14-hour flight!